Snatcher gang attacks ex-cop

Three youths allegedly snatched retired IPS officer Nazrul Islam’s cell phone and tried to intimidate him when he grabbed one of them on a crowded minibus on Thursday afternoon.

Islam managed to get back his phone before they fled.

Islam, a 1981-batch IPS officer who retired on February 28 as additional director-general of police, had boarded the Garia-BBD Bag minibus near his house in Garia.

He was about to get off at Circus Avenue when he realised that his phone was missing. “According to a complaint lodged by Islam, he saw three men surrounding him, one of whom had his phone,” said an officer of Karaya police station. All the three were said to be in their mid-20s.

The complaint says the retired officer grabbed the youth who was carrying his phone by the wrist, forcing him to drop the handset.

The other two youths allegedly tried to intimidate Islam so that he would let off their partner. One of them pointed a razor blade at the retired officer.

Islam didn’t slacken his grip and shouted at the bus driver to drive to Karaya police station. The driver allegedly refused.

But fellow passengers joined the retired officer as he held on to the snatcher. Cornered by so many people, the other two youths jumped off the minibus and ran away.

As soon as Islam picked up his phone and got off the bus holding the third youth by the collar, the vehicle sped away.

Within seconds, the youth managed to free himself and disappear.

Islam walked to the police station and filed a complaint. “Based on his description, sketches of the trio have been prepared. We have questioned the bus conductor,” said joint commissioner (crime) Pallab Kanti Ghosh.